Managing Microcomputer Applications: A Primer and Guide to Good Practice,

This report has a dual purpose. First, the report is a primer for managers to help them understand the potential impacts of the microcomputer on organization and staff productivity. The most common types of microcomputer software are described and basic types of applications developed by planners are discussed. Second, the report is a guide for managers faced with managing the use of microcomputers and the development of applications by their staff and others. A process for managing the development of corporate applications is presented. The report is directed at a non-computer professional audience, i.e. managers within the Corps who have a technical background, but may not be microcomputer users themselves, and have as part of their responsibility the management of individuals andor projects in which microcomputers are used. The report is designed primarily to raise awareness of the need for, and the methods of, management of microcomputer applications. Outline formats are often used, and key ideas are highlighted. It is hoped that this format will communicate the key concepts better than a more traditional report. Keywords Managing microcomputers, Organizational user needs, Potential problems with microcomputers, End user computing Applications.